WORDS OF WISDOM

With writing, I felt like it was just my free place where no one told me what to do because it was just my own. 

~Tate McRae, Singer

WORDS OF WISDOM

Writing a journal reminds you of your goals and of your learning in life. It offers a place where you can hold a deliberate, thoughtful conversation with yourself.

~Robin S. Sharma

RESEARCHING ABOUT A PLACE

Any type of research can be tedious but it's essential to writing. For example if you want to write a novel set in sixteenth century France, much search into that society's customs and people is needed. Accuracy is what's most important because if the audience picks up on a falsehood, it will diminish your work.

I find research interesting because I learn so much about a particular place. It emcompasses customs, people, entertainment, cuisine, and other elements of that society.  I moved to my present neighborhood a couple of years ago. I discovered that it was once a Jewish enclave. I also learned that racoons, deer, and Native Americans once lived here before colonization. The stories here are endless.

Castles are one of my favorites structures. I'm researching about one of them because I wish to write a short story set in one. I am also fascinated with the city of New Orleans. I wanted to visit there prior to Katrina and still wish to do so. I have read about some of the city's unique history. I have to try some of their gumbo when I visit there. Probably the best research is interactiing with the folks that live there. Interviews aren't out of the question.

Research is important to any story or essay. Accuracy is of importance if article or story is to have merit and authenticity. Look at research as being a part of your education experience. Life is like that. You think you've seen it all then, one day, you see something new. If you can visit the place being researched, all the better. Listening to the people who live there share their stories can prove invaluable.